What does "disposable" mean?

1. (single-use) made to be thrown away after you use it once. 2. (available for use) available for you to use or spend. 3. (a single-use item) an object that is designed to be used once and then thrown away.

How do you use "disposable"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes. Frequently collocates with 'income' or 'assets'.

disposable

adj. · n.

US //dɪˈspoʊzəbəɫ// UK //dɪspˈəʊzəbəl// dis·pos·able

1 single-use (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

made to be thrown away after you use it once.

designed to be discarded after a single use rather than being cleaned, refilled, or repaired.

Example

The hotel provides disposable razors and toothbrushes for guests who forget theirs.

Example

Environmental groups are campaigning against the widespread use of disposable plastic cutlery in fast-food chains due to the resulting waste.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- single use
- throwaway
- non reusable
2 available for use (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

available for you to use or spend.

available for use or expenditure; most commonly used in the phrase 'disposable income'.

Example

After paying his rent and bills, he didn't have much disposable income left.

Example

Economists noted a significant decrease in disposable income across the middle class as inflation outpaced wage growth.

Usage

Frequently collocates with 'income' or 'assets'.
- available
- spendable
3 a single-use item (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an object that is designed to be used once and then thrown away.

a product designed for one-time use, typically sold in bulk for convenience or hygiene.

Example

We bought a pack of disposables for the baby while we were traveling.

Example

The hospital switched to medical disposables to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients during routine procedures.
- throwaway

Last updated June 20, 2026